Local snow resorts close lifts

It's that time of year again, when the snow starts to melt, and people start shifting their thoughts toward warmer beach days.

The end of the snowboard and ski season is here, with local resorts either already shut down or holding their final days this weekend.

Mountain High in Wrightwood shut down its resort last weekend, and Big Bear Mountain Resorts announced on Thursday that this Sunday will be the last day it will be running lifts. Big Bear Resorts include Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

Snow was again scarce this year, with only about 75 – 90 inches of natural snowfall, according to the Big Bear Resorts announcement. They had to rely on snowmaking systems to extend their season.

"Even in a season like this, where natural snowfall was well below average, we were able to make great snow and host big events right up to the end," says vice president of marketing Chris Riddle. "Being the only Southern California ski and snowboard resort open this late in the season, we have truly shown dominance in our snowmaking capabilities."

Mountain High received 49 inches this season, according to its website. The resorts are closing slightly earlier than last year, when they stayed open until mid-April.

Snowboarders, skiers, resorts, retailers, and businesses were all hoping for a stronger snow season than last year, a disappointingly dry season that was called the worst since the early '90s.

There were 51 million skiers and snowboarders in attendance at resorts nationwide last season – the lowest in 20 years, according to a report put out by the National Ski Areas Association.

The figures for this year have not been released yet, with resorts around the country still open for business.

Last year produced the lowest average snowfall in 20 years, with the national average plunging by 42 percent from the previous season, according to the report.

Duke Edukas, owner of Surfside Sports in Costa Mesa, said the season was better than last year – especially in February and March -- but it was still considered a "poor season."

"We had snow, and conditions were better, but sales were still difficult," he said.

He said the repairs department saw an increase in business, and people heading up to Mammoth Mountain are still buying snow gear – but sales have started to shift now to boardshorts and bikinis.

"Usually, Easter is a turning point where people start thinking about the beach" Edukas said. "This time of year has some of the best conditions, but people's minds aren't in it any more."

Edukas said he's heard people blame the last two sluggish seasons on the resorts and high cost of tickets, as well as the snow.

"I think snowboarding has leveled off a bit, but I don't think it's dying," he said.

For those who aren't ready to call the season quits, Mammoth Mountain will remain open until Memorial Day, possibly longer. The resort reports a bit more snow than last year, with this year's snowfall reaching about 295 inches so far, compared to 263 inches for last year's season total.